Art Contest

This year we had 112 local high school students submit original artwork in the annual Congressional Art Competition. Equally impressive, we had over 3,700 people vote online for this year's "People's Choice Award"! I thank everyone who participated - both our students and their supporters!

To highlight the hard work and talent of Collin County's student artists, I hosted my annual Art Exhibit and Award Ceremony on Monday, April 25th. That evening, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Place winners, as well as the "People's Choice Award" and Honorable Mentions, were announced.

The 1st Place winner of the 2016 Art Competition was Lauren LaChausse from Prosper High School for her piece, "South Texas Oranges." At the awards ceremony, Lauren was presented with two complimentary round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. by Southwest Airlines. In Washington this June, Lauren will attend the National 2016 Congressional Art Competition unveiling ceremony at the United States Capitol where her artwork will be displayed for one year along with other 1st Place winners' artwork from across the nation.

Ist Place Winner Lauren LaChausse with her winning artwork, South Texas Oranges."

The 2nd Place winner was Hannah Nolan from Plano Senior High School for her artwork, "Fruit Face." As the 2nd Place winner, Hannah's work will be proudly displayed in my district office in Plano for one year.

Since its establishment in 1982, each spring the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school student artists. This annual competition gives students a rare and unique opportunity to share their talent with the thousands of visitors who come to visit our Nation’s Capital, and it has brought together amazing artwork from all over the United States. It is always inspiring to see the wealth of talent and creativity of our North Texas students, and I encourage all high school students residing within the 3rd District to participate.

In April, entries will be displayed on my website for the public to view and vote for their favorite. The winning artist will receive the People's Choice award. In May, I will also host an art exhibit and award ceremony to display entries.

In addition to having their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year, the student who is awarded the first prize will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., meet with his or her Member of Congress, and attend an award ceremony where their artwork will join other first prize entries from other Congressional Districts for an exclusive unveiling ceremony.